Hi Thomas, thanks so much for this invaluable information, you were right, opening the account was so easy (and it took less than 15 mins for me!) so I'm a happy camper.
A couple of follow-up questions for you, if I may (and just tell me if these are irrelevant/inappropriate):
I just learned that the N26 Maestro card is not a Girocard (EC) - as you probably know the majority of POS in Germany prefer Girocard than Mastercard/Maestro. So
it looks like I might need to apply for a second current account (such as with ComDirect) that provides accounts for foreigners *and* dispense Girocard.
I don’t have any SCHUFA (German credit reporting agency) credit history so I know that will be challenging… so a couple questions:
1. Do you know if my new N26 account create a SCHUFA record for me (assuming I use it in a positive manner) which will help me open a new acct with
ComDirect after a few months of good history?
2. Or would you recommend me opening Savings account with ComDirect for now (which does not pull credit report), deposit money little by little each month to build relationship with ComDirect and then ask nicely in a few months for a checking account (and that gets me an EC card)?
Really appreciate your insight, if any. (but I understand if this beyond your scope) =)
Happy Easter!
Jim